HC Deb 29 January 1948 vol 446 c1183
30. Mr. Keeling

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider permitting an extension of the maximum length of newsreels in cases where this length is insufficient for important official announcements in the public interest.

Mr. H. Wilson

Longer newsreels could only be permitted at the cost of forgoing valuable exports of unexposed photographic film. I am, however, looking into the arguments for permitting somewhat longer reels, and I hope very shortly to reach a decision.

Mr. Keeling

During his consideration, with the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that during the talk on basic petrol by the Minister of Fuel and Power, now included in the newsreels, there is so much interruption by laughter that if it is to be of any use at all the talk ought to be lengthened by several minutes to allow time for the interruptions to subside?

Mr. Wilson

In looking into this matter, I will bear in mind all relevant considerations.

Mr. Low

Is it not a fact that this news talk was immediately preceded by a feature called "Take a Tub"?